Flt Lt Desmond Hinton DFC

[pzu]

N Korea returns remains of Flt Lt Desmond Hinton DFC

See

Britain receives body of Korean War fighter ace - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/8494256/Britain-receives-body-of-Korean-War-fighter-ace.html)

PZU - Out of Africa (Retired)

[Tankertrashnav]

Very interesting pzu, I saw a similar report in The Times and was unaware that so many RAF officers (41) were seconded to the USAF during the Korean War. Some may also be unaware of the notable record of 2 Squadron, SAAF whose record is summarised here:

In the Korean War (http://www.pprune.org/wiki/Korean_War), the famous 2 Squadron (http://www.pprune.org/wiki/2_Squadron_SAAF) ("The Flying Cheetahs") took part as South Africa's contribution. It won many American decorations, including the unusual honour of a United States Presidential Unit Citation (http://www.pprune.org/wiki/Presidential_Unit_Citation_(US)) in 1952:
2 Sqn had a long and distinguished record of service in Korea flying P-51D Mustangs and later F-86F Sabres. Their role was mainly flying ground attack and interdiction missions as one of the squadrons making up the USAF's 18th Fighter Bomber Wing.During the Korean conflict the squadron flew a grand total of 12 067 sorties for a loss of 34 pilots and two other ranks. Aircraft losses amounted to 74 out of 97 Mustangs and four out of 22 Sabres. Pilots and men of the squadron received a total of 797 medals including 2 Silver Stars - the highest award to non-American nationals - 3 Legions of Merit, 55 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 40 Bronze Stars. 8 pilots became POWs (http://www.pprune.org/wiki/POW). Casualties: 20 KIA 16 WIA.[5] (http://www.pprune.org/#cite_note-4)

TTN

[Fareastdriver]

RAF officers (41) were seconded to the USAF during the Korean War.

At leastthey achieved something. As the RAAF found out, mixing Meteors with Migs was a waste of time.

[Old-Duffer]

In addition to the secondment to the USAF, the RAF contributed a significant number of Meteor F8s to the RAAF and aircrew as well.

One of the guys sent to the USAF was a chap called Johnnie Baldwin. He disappeared and there have been persistent rumours over the years about what actually happened to him - indeed there was a TV documentary about whether he was actually captured and turned over to another country.

FarEastDriver,

As you are an ex-Sycamore man, Hinton's brother might have been one of your instructor on 1 Sqn at Tern Hill. He was there throughout 1964-66.

You might also remember the other 1 Sqn instructor: Terry P)(* and his 'John Stonehouse Moment' !!

Old Duffer

[Fareastdriver]

Terry did my initial famil trip in a Sycamore and was supposed to be my instuctor. That is probably why he buggered off.

Dave Hinton took over and did nearly all the rest. I had never realised or had been told that he had lost his brother in Korea.